What Are Good Cookbooks That Explain Flavor Profiles?

Q: Within the last year or so, due to schedules, my husband has been responsible for dinners a few nights a week. When he is following a recipe exactly, we've had some good meals, but he wants to cook without having to follow a recipe all the time, which has resulted in some very "interesting" dinners.

He always wants to know more about which seasonings work well together and why, but I stink at explaining this to him. Do you have any recommendations for cookbooks that explain flavor profiles?

Sent by Jenni

Editor: Readers, can you recommend some cookbooks that help explain flavor pairings and give examples of flavors and ingredients that go well together?